breast feeding and latching trouble!!!!!!!!!!

Kathy - posted on 05/14/2010

We all understand the stress!

Jess - posted on 05/14/2010

thanks, im just little stressed n new to this

Kathy - posted on 05/14/2010

Perfectly normal at this age! Remember she's barely arrived on the planet, and still sorting things out! Is she having plenty of wet nappies? Is she having some pooey nappies? Putting on even a tiny bit of weight? Then she's getting plenty!

Remember your baby's tummy is TINY - it doesn't take much to fill it up! She'll settle down eventually. Bear in mind that your baby is the one who's controlling your milk supply - the more she needs, the more she'll feed.

So don't worry Jess, you're doing well. Your little girl will soon be more comfortable and settled in this brave new world!

Jess - posted on 05/14/2010

another question, all she does is eat, then sleep for 5-15mins wake up and want more, this could happen for upto6 feeds, is this normal or is she not getting enough? should i be worried?
shes really not sleeping and i feel shes eating HEAPS

Kathy - posted on 05/12/2010

Great news! Hang in there!

Jess - posted on 05/12/2010

thank u
i totaly gave up on the 3 hour bottel thing
got to the point i couldnt express but shes happy to feed
so im just going natural

even if she does want to feed 3 times in an hour i let her

and i think were getting better with latching

Kathy - posted on 05/12/2010

Toya, the first few weeks are so wearing, as you're discovering!
My suggestion would be to have a look at Celeste's and my posts, and links. Finding a lactation consultant would be a great move.

I'm really impressed with your concern about your baby, and I'm sure things will work out for you. Breastfeeding is absolutely the best, and you're on the right track!

Toya - posted on 05/12/2010

I wonder if Im going through the same thing.My new baby is also 1 week ,Born on April 30,2010. Im going through the same thing-Im wondering is there any hope ,cause now its painful 4 me 2 breastfeed,and its long and stressing 2 pump.I dont want 2 put my baby on formula right now,but Im really gettng impatient

Celeste - posted on 05/11/2010

I agree with Kathy, your MW's advice is quite questionable. Putting a newborn on a 3 hour schedule isn't good nor is giving them a bottle.



Newborns need to nurse a lot more often than that. If you're limiting her feeds, then yes, there can be problems with supply. Breastfeeding works on supply and demand-the more your baby nurses the more you'll make.



Also, like Kathy said, introducing a bottle can cause nipple confusion which can further the latching problems.



The best way to tell if your baby is getting enough is by dipes. She should be getting 6-8 diapers. If she's getting enough, there is no need to do any of what your MW suggested.



Also, what is "enough weight"? It's normal for babies to lose about 10% of their birth weight. Here's a chart of avg weight gain for bf'ed babies:

http://www.kellymom.com/babyconcerns/gro...



Find a breastfeeding professional!! I don't know what you have in your country, but here, there are IBCLC-board certified lactation consultants. I'd seek one out ASAP!

Kathy - posted on 05/11/2010

Congratulations on the arrival of your little girl, Jess! It sounds like you're feeling happy to be a mum but pretty confused, too!



I must admit I'm a bit concerned about your midwife's advice. Most newborns lose weight during their first week, then get back to their birth weight by the time they are 2 weeks old, so there may not be a problem at all. It might be a good idea to ask your doctor about the weight issue.



Has anyone spoken to you about correct latching? It would be good to see a lactation consultant or LLL counsellor (I don't know what country you're from.) Giving bottles too early in a baby's life can cause nipple confusion, so I would be wary of doing that. Here is a video about correct latching:

http://www.ameda.com/breastfeeding/start...



And here is some more information on correct positioning. This is from the Australian Breastfeeding Association:

http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bfinfo/s...



Why do you feel you are running low on milk? Generally, if your little girl is having plenty of wet nappies and some pooey ones, she's probably getting enough. The best way to increase your supply is to feed your baby as often as she needs, not to a strict routine. Once you get the latching correct, it shouldn't be painful. Remember that pumping is no-where near as efficient as your baby's sucking, so the amount you get from pumping is not an indication of how much milk you are producing.



Good luck, things are so hard in those early days, but you sound determined to give your little girl the best.